The turning point in the Revolutionary War The Battle of Saratoga The turning point in the Revolutionary War

Waiting in Saratoga Burgoyne was in Saratoga waiting for reinforcements They never came Howe was still in Philadelphia St. Leger had been stopped by the Americans at Fort Stanwix Burgoyne was on his own

The Battle of Saratoga Burgoyne’s troops were badly outnumbered by the Patriots – 3/1 General Horatio Gates – attacked from the South Benedict Arnold – attacked from the North The British troops were surrounded October 17, 1777 Patriots capture Burgoyne’s entire army 5,700 British Soldiers All their Weapons

Battle of Saratoga - Map

The Turning Point in the Revolution Great Victory for the Patriots Capture John Burgoyne General Howe Resigns British appoint a new General General Henry Clinton Morale Booster for the Patriots Led to increased foreign support for the Patriots “This event will make one of the most brilliant pages of American History.” Patriot James Thacher

Gaining Foreign Allies European nations realized that the United States might actually win its war against Great Britain. Some European nations gave Americans money and supplies but would not committed to an alliance. Benjamin Franklin seeks to gain support of the French and Spanish in the Americans’ fight for independence.

France joins the War France sees that the Americans will probably win February 1778 – France and the U.S. form an alliance France declares war on Great Britain France sends money, equipment, and troops to the American Patriots

Spain joins the War Spain joins the war because of their hatred toward Great Britain 1779 – Spain Declares war on Great Britain Bernardo de Gálvez’s - raised army against the British Captured British troops and Forts in the South

Individuals Support Patriot’s Cause Marquis de Lafayette Wealthy Frenchman Summer 1777 Spoke little English Lacked combat experience Gave $200,000 to the Patriots Becomes a trusted aid to Washington “The welfare of America is closely bound up with the welfare of mankind.”

The Americans were on their way to Independence http://www.history.com/topics/american- revolution/battle-of-saratoga/videos

QR1: Who were the main leaders of this battle? QR2: Why didn’t the British reinforcements show up? QR3: How did the patriot’s fighting strategy help them against the British? qr4: If the British reinforcements had shown up to help Burgoyne how would that have impacted the rest of the American Revolutionary War?